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What happens when a former newspaper crime reporter turns her real-life investigative instincts into pulse-pounding fiction? In this episode, I sit down with Laura Griffin to talk about crime fiction, small-town mysteries, and the real-world research that makes her thrillers feel terrifyingly real.

We dig into Laura’s journey from journalism to romantic suspense and thrillers, how she researches police work and cold cases, and why setting Innocence Road in a remote West Texas town inspired by Marfa added an entirely new layer of tension. If you love smart thrillers, layered investigations, and books that reward close readers, this episode is for you.

Innocence Road by Laura Griffin — Crime Thriller | Cold Case | Small-Town Mystery

We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter — Psychological Thriller

While It Was Snowing by Julia London — Holiday Rom-Com

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid — Literary Suspense / Emotional Drama

[00:00] Laura Griffin’s journalism background

[01:30] Researching police work & crime scenes

[03:00] Why West Texas inspired Innocence Road

[06:30] Pacing suspense & planting clues

[09:00] Romantic suspense vs. thrillers

[12:00] What Laura Griffin loves to read

[14:00] Book recommendations for thriller fans

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